Chicago man arrested in death of IIT counselor

May 19, 2003

A Chicago man accused of strangling an Illinois Institute of Technology admissions counselor with the straps of her purse during a robbery that escalated to a homicide was held Sunday without bond, authorities said.

Ruben Claudio, 17, lived about four blocks from Jenny Wanner's Logan Square apartment and spotted her as she walked home late at night on May 10 from an "L" stop after attending a co-worker's birthday party, said Chicago Police Cmdr. Lee Epplen.

Claudio, of the 1800 block of North Mozart Street, followed Wanner a few blocks back to her building, attacking her in the vestibule, first with his hands and then from behind with the straps of her purse, authorities said. Police believe the attack occurred about midnight.

The building in the 2100 block of North Albany Avenue was dark at the time because a thunderstorm had knocked out power, Epplen said.Wanner's body was found hours later by another tenant , he said.

"He actually tripped over her because the power was still out," Epplen said.

Police are awaiting test results to determine if Wanner was sexually assaulted.

Tactical Officers Rafael Migallon and Esteban Chavez said they began canvassing the neighborhood last week.

Claudio stole $10 and a credit card from Wanner, police said. He provided police with their break in the case by offering friends use of the credit card, saying he "took out a woman over the weekend," Epplen said.

Claudio, who was arrested Thursday at a friend's house, helped police locate the purse he had discarded, police said.

"He knew he was caught and pretty much came peacefully," Migallon said.

Claudio, who was charged Saturday with first-degree murder and robbery, had no other significant criminal record as an adult, authorities said.

Claudio is scheduled to appear in court Monday for a preliminary hearing.